Realme 8 Pro Review: 108MP Camera Magic or Just Another Mid-Ranger?

Introduction

Realme is back with another mid-range contender — the Realme 8 Pro — but if you’re expecting a massive leap from the Realme 7 Pro, think again. The brand’s latest model sticks to its familiar formula: a refreshed design, a few smart upgrades, and the same affordable price point. The biggest highlight this time? A new 108MP main camera that promises crisp detail, better low-light performance, and even 3x lossless zoom thanks to clever software algorithms.

Apart from that, the Realme 8 Pro keeps things mostly the same — including the 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G processor, and 4,500mAh battery.

Design: Eye-Catching and Grippy, But Not Splash-Proof

The Realme 8 Pro is a head-turner. Its sandblasted rear panel with a glossy “DARE TO LEAP” logo definitely stands out — though the branding might feel a bit too loud for some. The phone feels compact and comfortable to hold, being thinner and lighter than both the Realme 6 Pro and 7 Pro.

However, there’s one disappointing omission — no water-repellent coating this time. Unlike its predecessor, the Realme 8 Pro doesn’t have rubber protection around the SIM tray, so it’s best to keep it away from splashes.

Display: Bright, Colorful, and Sharp — But Still 60Hz

The 8 Pro borrows its display straight from the 7 Pro — a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. It supports DCI-P3 color gamut, an Always-On Display, and even HDR10 playback in some apps like YouTube.

The brightness levels are impressive for this class — hitting 454 nits manually and up to 627 nits under auto-brightness. Still, it’s a bit disappointing to see no high-refresh-rate screen in 2021, something most rivals already offer.

Battery Life: Dependable and Efficient

Powering the phone is a 4,500mAh battery, paired with the power-efficient Snapdragon 720G chip. Unsurprisingly, the Realme 8 Pro delivers excellent endurance, clocking in at 116 hours of total use, including 35 hours of calls, 17 hours of web browsing, and 21 hours of video playback.

Charging: Fast, But Slightly Downgraded

Realme has equipped the 8 Pro with 50W SuperDart fast charging, though the box includes a 65W charger. The phone can charge 50% in just 17 minutes, and a full top-up takes around 47 minutes — still very fast, even if it’s technically a step down from the 65W charging support of the 7 Pro.

Software: Smooth and Customizable

The Realme 8 Pro runs on Android 11 with Realme UI 2.0, which brings more customization options, Always-On Display themes, new Dark Mode styles, and improved privacy controls.

The in-display fingerprint sensor is quick and accurate, and face unlock works reliably too. The interface is clean, responsive, and user-friendly, with an optional app drawer for those who prefer it.

Performance: Familiar Power, Nothing New

Under the hood, the Realme 8 Pro sticks with the tried-and-tested Snapdragon 720G processor — the same chip found in the 7 Pro and even the 6 Pro. You can choose between 6GB or 8GB RAM variants, both offering 128GB UFS 2.1 storage.

Performance is solid for everyday use and casual gaming, but it’s clearly outclassed by newer phones like the Poco X3 Pro, which boasts a much more powerful Snapdragon 860 chip.

Camera: The Star of the Show

The highlight of the Realme 8 Pro is its new 108MP primary camera, powered by Samsung’s ISOCELL HM2 sensor. It supports 9-in-1 pixel binning, Super-PD autofocus, and even 3x in-sensor zoom — which Realme claims delivers better clarity than some mid-range telephoto lenses.

The phone captures detailed, vibrant photos in daylight, with solid dynamic range and color reproduction. The 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensors remain the same as before, offering average but usable results.

On the video side, the phone supports recording up to 4K at 120fps, making it great for creators who want flexibility without spending too much.

Verdict: Stylish, Capable, but Overpriced

The Realme 8 Pro is stylish, reliable, and has one of the best cameras in its price bracket — but it’s held back by an outdated processor, 60Hz display, and no water resistance.

At its launch price of around €300, the Realme 8 Pro struggles to stand out against competitors like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Poco X3 Pro. If Realme brings the price down to around €200–€220, it could be a great deal. Until then, there are simply better options out there.

Final Verdict: The Realme 8 Pro is a great-looking mid-ranger with a fantastic camera, but unless you find it on discount, it’s hard to recommend over the competition.

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